Thanksgiving on the Beach!

Hey Friends! Thanksgiving can be the perfect holiday to make new family traditions. It doesn’t really matter where you are or what you are eating as long as you are gathering with your family. This could be the perfect opportunity for the family to get together and enjoy a new family tradition without the stress of making sure that everything is right. Bring the family down and just relax and let someone else do all the hard work!

Hangout Fest is hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 am- 4 pm. The price for adults is $32.99 and for children 5-10 it is $14.99. Children under 5 eat free! They are taking reservations for time slots and will be paid at the restaurant. The menu is full of classics as well as Gulf Shores Gumbo and Housemade Pie. What a perfect opportunity for the cook of the family to get to enjoy their meal too! Make a new tradition by spending it with friends and family at The Hangout.

This is Alabama will be presenting a Coastal Half Marathon on Saturday 26 in Orange Beach. There is a 1 mile fun run and a 5K that will be taking place. Click here for more info about this awesome event!

Come hang out at the Flora-Bama on Thanksgiving for a potluck dinner! They will take care of the Turkey and Ham, but ask that you bring a side dish! This event is free for everyone and they ask that they have your potluck dish in the tent by 12:30 and they begin serving at 1 PM. This is their way of giving back to the community and being able to celebrate with their guests and staff!  

We have plenty of larger properties to sleep the whole family! We have a 5 bedroom Duplex in Fort Morgan that sleeps 10 called Deans Dunes. This property has a full kitchen just in case you do want to make the perfect Thanksgiving meal for the family. It also faces the gulf so you can enjoy the sound of waves crashing at night. Golden Yona is another property we have that sleeps 10. It is a 4 bedroom 4 bathroom duplex also in Fort Morgan. This home is also is just 2 houses down from the community pool! If you are looking to be closer in town check out Phoenix West II 2606! This is a 3 bedroom condo that sleeps 12 overlooking the gulf. These are just a few of the properties we have available. Give us a call at 251-543-1370 or check us out at www.sunsetproperties.com .

Freedom Fest Weekend in Orange Beach

Hey Friends! Cars, Live Music, Raffles, and Patriotic Spirit. What more could you ask for from a weekend at The Wharf? Freedom Fest is rolling into The Wharf on September 30th to October 2nd. They are going to be putting on a heck of a show for everyone. Free live music from iHeartRadio, door prizes that include a 50/50 drawing, and even fun for the kids! There will be a vendor area set up with a giant variety of food. Things like Barbecue Ribs, Crawfish, Burger, and Philly Cheesesteaks are just a few of the items on the list!

Bama Coast Cruisin’ is setting up September 29- October 1st from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. If you like cars this is the car show to come to! They will be set up and down Main Street showing off everything from antique trucks to classic hot rods. There’s still time to register your car and have everyone check your car out as well!

There are two ticketed events over the weekend. You can purchase tickets at Ticketmaster for both events. The first one being ZZ Top with special guest Jeff Beck at The Wharf Amphitheater on Friday night! This is going to be a great concert. On Sunday, The Wharf and Freedom Fest will be hosting a benefit concert for Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to family members of fallen and disabled service members. The headliner is John Rich of Big&Rich! The show will start at 1 p.m. with two speakers. One being Ben Walborn, a former U.S. Navy Blue Angel and the next is Kevin Lacz. Kevin is the author of “The Last Punisher” and served with Chris Kyle “The America Sniper.”

Looking to come down and need a place to stay? Look no further than Sunset Properties. Come check out our beach front condos and get a taste of heaven while you are in town! Live the life of luxury while you are here by staying at our Phoenix I 1108 property. It is a 3 bedroom 2 bath end unit condo that has beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Don’t need something so big? We have a one bedroom one bath beach front condo called Boardwalk 584 that would be perfect. This unit over looks Sea n Suds and is within walking distance of most activities in Gulf Shores. Give us a call or send us a text at 251-543-1370 and let us find you the perfect place to stay!

Late Summer Fun on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Hey Friends! Summer may be ending for the kids but for the locals it is still in full swing! Beach days, long nights, and summer fun can all be found happening on the gulf coast for at least another month. Plus, one of the best things about coming to visit now is the crowds are almost gone. If you find one you shouldn’t be waiting long! Here is a few events coming up that are family friendly. Come on down and bring the kids for the weekend! Or, leave them home and have a parents getaway. We won’t tell them!

We have a few events coming up in the weeks to come. One of them being the 2022 Sunset Series that meets on most Thursdays beginning at 6 p.m throughout September on the Town Green! Bring the family out and enjoy a live band while watching the white sand beaches and waves break in the background. Make sure you bring your lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on!

Orange Beach Freedom Fest is coming up at the end of the month September 30th- October 2nd! They have a lot of events planned for the weekend including a car show, stuff for the kids, food, special speakers, and even a concert! The weekend is sure to be filled with patriotic spirit as they have a US Navy Blue Angel and a US Navy Seal who served with “American Sniper” Chris Kyle. There will also be a musical performance by Bruce Smelley and they will close the day with a concert with John Rich from Big & Rich! The majority of the weekend is free but if you would like to see the concert and special speakers you do have to purchase a ticket through Ticketmaster. Tickets start at $20 and proceeds benefit Folds of Honor. They provide educational scholarships to families of fallen and disabled service members.

The National Shrimp Festival is coming to town October 6th- 9th! This event annually has over 300,000 people coming from all over the United States. They have lined up over 100 hours of musical entertainment, 200 booths of fine arts and crafts, and of course food from 50 local and regional vendors! Locals and Snowbirds alike all look forward to this even year after year. Come down and enjoy good food, good music, and good company here on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Looking to come down for to the Alabama Gulf Coast? Look no further than Sunset Properties for your perfect Vacation Rental. We have properties of all kinds. Some Properties we have available for the National Shrimp Festival include a beautiful beach front condo in Gulf Shores Townhome 22. Wake up to the sounds of the gulf and the picture perfect white sands for the weekend. If you are looking to be near enough to walk to the festival we have a 3 Bedroom house called Happy Clam located just over half a mile away! We have a new pet friendly option called Beach Time that is around 2.1 miles away from the festival location. The house is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house that now accepts small pets! Give us a call or send us a text at 251-543-1370. Or visit our website at www.sunsetproperties.com.

Dog Friendly locations on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Hi Friends! Bringing your pet to the beach doesn’t have to stop at the house you’re renting. Sunset Properties has a great selection of pet friendly homes that you can visit! Just a few options we have are Tortuga Bay, Happy Clam, and Eden’s Waters. Check out our website for a complete list of our pet friendly rentals. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have done a great job trying to be more pet inclusive! For a full list of restaurants that have outdoor seating and welcome pets click here. In the meantime, check out this list of places we think are great!

  1. Gulf Shores Dog Park

Gulf Shores Dog Park is open everyday from Sunrise to Sundown! They even have a designated area for dogs that are under 25 pounds! They do have a few rules so make sure you check out their website before visiting.

  1. Fort Morgan Beach

Fort Morgan is known for their pet friendly beaches! So, bring the family and head down to the beach for a week of memories no one will forget.

 The Dog pond at Lake Shelby is located in Gulf State Park at the picnic area. Pawrents are welcome to bring their furry friend and play in the water while also enjoying the state park! Check out their website for more details. 

The wharf invites you to bring your furry friends while you shop, dine, and relax with family. They are allowed to roam wherever you do as long as they are under control! Most restaurants have outside tables for you to enjoy dinner with your pups.

Not only does cobalt have awesome food and a great view, but they also have outdoor seating for you to bring your dog!

Tacky Jacks is fun for the whole family. With three locations you are always near a Tacky Jacks, and you can get there by land or water. Come enjoy the views of the water while your kids play and you and your pup hangs out at the table eating good food and maybe even hearing some live music!

A few safety tips for you and your pup while you are out and about enjoying nature!

  1. Make sure they are up to date on Vaccines
  2. Watch the temperature!
  3. Bring your pups essentials (i.e water bowl, leash, doggie poop bag, towel)  
  4. Watch for Marine life (not just sharks but jellyfish too!)

Fourth of July Festivities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Hi Friends! Summer is in full swing for our Sunset Properties crew here on the Alabama Gulf Coast! With that being said, that means Independence Day is right down the road. We have a plethora of activities for kids, tees, and adults. With a Freedom Run at the Florabama, camel rides at The Wharf, and finishing the night off with fireworks! Bring the kids down for memories you both won’t forget.

Starting at 7 a.m on July 4 The Wharf is hosting a Shark Run 5K. For the folks that want to participate but don’t want to run they are also hosting a 5K competitive walk or a 1 mile fun run. The starting location will be in front of the Sand Dollar Lifestyles near the main entrance fountain. Once you get done running your tail off The Sandshaker is hosting the awards and after-party! Participants will receive free refreshments and cold beverages at The Sandshaker. Registration starts at $20 for the fun run and $39 for the 5K if you register online. With that you will receive a custom T-shirt and an award medal!

From 5 p.m- 9 p.m, The Wharf is hosting a street party! They will have activities for the kids as well as live music for everyone to enjoy. They will have a rock wall, surf simulator, bounce houses, and so much more! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride a camel? Well, July 4th is the night to find out. Head over and check out the Camel Rides ($5)! To end the night they will be having an 11-minute long firework show starting at 8:45 p.m!

The Flora-Bama is starting their activities July 2nd this year. They are kicking things off with their 2nd annual “Freedom Run” which features 2 courses. One is a 4 mile course and the other is a 1 mile fun run/walk. Make sure you wear your most festive red, white, and blue attire! The run will begin on the North side of Perdido Beach Blvd. and finish back at the Flora-Bama. Register online and pick up your packet July 1st 4p.m-6 p.m or July 2nd 6 a.m-7:30 a.m. with the race starting at 8 am.  Included in your registration fee is a T-shirt, Medal, 1 food ticket, and 2 drink tickets!  On July 4th , they will be celebration the nations birthday with live music and finishing the night with fireworks!

For those that just want to see the Fireworks Gulf State Park will be setting off fireworks at 9 p.m from the fishing pier. The website states, “the eastern area of the Gulf Shores Public Beach and the Gulf State Park are the best places to watch the firework show from.” Be sure to bring your radio along as 105.7 Sunny Radio provides a musical element that goes along with the show!

For the Vacationer with a Sweet Tooth

At Sunset Properties we are ALL about dessert! We put together a list of all our favs and HAD to share it with y’all.

1. Hope’s Cheesecakes
If you are into specialty cheesecakes then this is the place for you. They have everything you could ever imagine! They have special flavors of cheesecakes along with key lime pie. Just remember that they are closed on Sunday and Monday!

2. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pie from The Original Oyster House
This peanut butter pie has been the source of many a family fight in our household. If you decide to order one for a family function make sure you get extras! If you don’t you will have family members crying asking, “ There’s not anymore?” If you fall in love with this recipe like we have, you’re in luck, they have the recipe online! Follow this link and watch the YouTube video they have on how to make it.

3. Scoops Ice Cream
Scoops Ice Cream is a must stop for kids, adults, and everyone in between! Regular ice cream, milkshakes, cookies, and even handcrafted chocolates. They have a bunch of super cool flavors like Snick-A-Ripple, Cotton Candy, and Banana Pudding! For a full list of flavors you can visit their website!

4. The Yard Milkshake Bar
The Yard is known for their eccentric over-the-top milkshakes. If you have ever wanted a milkshake with a full cupcake, a piece of cheesecake, a donut, or a cookie on top. They have three June specials going on right now with Creamsicle Cheesecake, Taste the Raindough, and On Cloud 9. These are definitely a treat that you will be telling people about for months to come, and you even get the souvenir glass to take home!

5. Deep South Cake Company
Are you celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or a celebration? This is the place to get that last minute cake or cupcakes! Caramel cupcakes, red velvet cake, s’mores cookies, and caramel cakes are a few of the things that you will see on their menu. All of their goodies are to die for, and if you don’t believe us just check out their reviews! They’re open Tuesday- Saturday 10 am-5 pm so make sure you get by before they close!

Looking for a last minute condo reservation before June 30th? We have a fill in the gap special going on that’s got some awesome prices on it! We have properties like Caribe B Penthouse 4, Indies 101, and Ocean House 2202! Check out our website for pricing and then give us a call from 9 am-4 pm and let us see what’s available for you!

5 Souvenirs to bring home from the beach

1. Hermit Crab and Sand/SeaShell Jar
What’s more fun than bringing a pet home from vacation? Especially one that’s low maintenance with a painted shell! Hop on over to Alvin’s Island and find the hermit crabs and any accessories you may need. Or, if you want something you don’t have to feed and take care of you can get a seashell jar. Which is just a jar of sand and seashells from the beach that’s decorated so you know where it came from! They also have a great selection of t-shirts, beach toys, and other beach necessities!

2. T-shirt from The Flora Bama
The Flora Bama is the famous bar located on the Florida Alabama state line. This a must stop for a lot of people, including celebrities. Kenny Chesney even wrote a song about it! What would be cooler than a t-shirt from somewhere Kenny Chesney has been? There’s always something going on so check out the events page to stay up to date. Come hang out and drink a bush wacker from one of the best bars on the beach.

3. The Prosperous Pelican for pottery and hand made items
If you are more into bringing home souvenirs that you will either use or enjoy more definitely check out The Prosperous Pelican! They have handmade items and art from 60 different artists around town. They have anything from pottery to hand painted wine glasses.

4. The Hot Shop
The Hot Shop is the perfect place to pick up those Christmas gifts for the grandparents or in-laws. They have a whole gallery full of art that you can choose from including blown glass, paintings, and so much more! You can watch the artists create the blown glass daily Monday-Thursday (the artists do break from 12-1). You can even make an appointment and create your own blown glass.


5. Grab Dinner and a T-shirt from The Hangout
Great Music, Great for kids, and Great food. What more could you ask for? The Hangout is perfect for kids, teens, and adults. They have a little bit of everything. If your teens are always looking for the best place to take instagram worthy pics make sure to check out this blog for the best spots at the Hangout!

Still looking for a place to stay? Sunset Properties is running a “Fill in the Gap” special right now! Choose any gap in the existing reservations and get an awesome deal. We have openings in condos Boardwalk 1085, Crystal Tower 1406, Crystal Tower 502, and many more. It is good for reservations before June 30th, 2022, give us a call so you don’t miss out!

Summer Concerts at The Wharf

Have you missed the concert scene? Being able to listen to your favorite band or artist perform the song you have listened to for years is a feeling you just can’t describe. Or, you get to town and realize there’s a concert playing near you and you just go. Then, the next day you’re back at the beach getting a tan. If these sound like things you’re interested in you should check out The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, AL. On their lineup this year you will see names like Dierks Bentley, Phish, Jimmy Buffet, and Morgan Wallen.

Check out our two condos at The Caribe for a place to stay! Caribe B Penthouse 4 is a 3 bedroom condo with a beautiful view overlooking the bay. While Caribe C Penthouse 14 has a view of the gulf! Bring the family and enjoy the amenities that the caribe has to offer. 6 pools total, 2 water slides, fishing docks, tennis courts, a putting green, and even his/her saunas. Cobalt is located right next to the condos and has some of the best food you could imagine. It’s popular so make sure you show up early! If you don’t feel like waiting for a table at the actual restaurant you can check out the poolside Cabana Menu. The best part is that it is located only 15 minutes from The Wharf! Perfect for those that are wanting to shop, explore, or see a concert. Plus, if you just want to stay in you can always check out all the cool things the Caribe has to offer. Interested in taking a Dolphin Cruise? Check out the Caribe Marina for all things boats. They have dolphin cruises, bay cruises, and even private charters!

For a full list of concerts and events at The Wharf click here!

6 Things to do when you get rained out

So, you came to the beach and spent a few days in the sun and now you either A. Need a Sun break or B. It decided to rain for a few hours. If it’s rain, don’t worry, it doesn’t normally stick around for long! But, here’s a few things to do in the meantime;

1. Shop Til’ you Drop at Tanger Outlets

The tanger outlets are nice if you are wanting to get some shopping in while you are in town! They have stores like Kate Spade, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, and so many more. Once you get tired of shopping there are so many places surrounding the outlets with places to eat.Lamberts is “home of the throwed rolls” and is almost always a must stop for many families. It is so much fun for the whole family.

2. Take the kids to The Factory

The factory is a jump park located in Gulf Shores. Not only can they jump around in a room full of trampolines, but they also have a climbing tower that is 30 feet tall! If those aren’t your thing either they have an arcade room where you can play endless amounts of games, a flight simulator, and even a batting cage! They really do have something for the whole family!

3. Bring home customized luxury At High Cotton Bath Co. you can customize your own personal fragrance for lotions, scrubs, and oils. Not only can you choose the fragrance you want, but you can also choose the color as well! They have a large variety of fragrances to choose from. Includes some “wannabe” scents, so if you have a perfume you like you may can get lotion to match it! If you need to update your loungewear be sure to check out their selection made from bamboo that keeps you cool while you sleep.

4. See a Movie at the Wharf Is your family always quick to see movies as soon as they hit the theaters? The Wharf has an AMC movie theatre right in the middle of their shops. It has the perfect shops if you are needing to get souvenirs for people back home. So, while half the family sees a movie the other half can shop and eat!

5. Give yourself the gift of ultimate relaxation The Magnolia Float Spa is a zero gravity floating experience that helps to relieve stress, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep! You get into the tub and free float for 1 hour while your body decompresses from all the stress of making sure your family’s vacation is perfect. To really get the full benefits they recommend adding on a massage to the beginning of your float. Don’t worry about how you’re going to get ready after your float. They provide all the amenities you need, so all you need to bring is yourself! Totally stress free. The Magnolia Float Spa is by appointment only, so make sure you give them a call before hand.

6. Put your skills to the test with an escape room Come and visit Breakaway the #1 Escape room in Orange Beach, AL. With 5 different rooms to choose from it shouldn’t be hard to find something everyone will like! You have an hour to escape before its game over for your group. Escape rooms are great for bigger families for large groups since you can take up to 10 people with you. Do you think your group has the brains for this immersive experience?

6 Reasons to Plan a Girls Weekend Getaway! 

When was the last time you took a vacation with your best friends? If you’re on the edge of making a decision maybe this list will help! What better way to relax than sit with your toes in the sand and listen to the waves crash against the shore?

Here are 6 Reasons to Plan a Girls Weekend at the Beach in Gulf Shores: 

1) Take a break

After spending the last two years in a global pandemic, everyone is in need of a girls weekend to reset so you can be the best version of yourself. You have been everyone else’s caretaker, making sure your family survived and made it through a global pandemic. You know you need a break from your everyday responsibilities, clients, contracts and time clocks. Where the only thing you have to worry about is what time the sun sets. What better way to celebrate than to take your girlfriends and head to the Alabama Gulf Coast for a weekend on the beach!

2) Let someone else cook

Being able to go out and enjoy someone else’s cooking is something we don’t always get to appreciate! But, when you’re on vacation and able to sit back and relax, it becomes a treat. With all of the great restaurants Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan have to offer, it probably isn’t easy to pick! We have something for all kinds of eaters. For seafood, try local faves Cobalt, TinTop or Sassy Bass. Want a delicious steak? Check out Cosmos for delicious food and a super friendly staff. Hungry for a big ole seafood pizza? You must visit Papa Rocco’s or Cricos! How about gumbo to make your mouth happy? Sea-n-Suds is the place for gumbo. And the best part is that someone else is on dish duty tonight!

3) Shop for yourself

Sometimes it’s hard to forget we need new things too! What better place to look for new clothes and souvenirs than Main Street at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Retail therapy is one of the best things especially when you’re on vacation! You could dedicate a whole day to just exploring SanRoc Cay in Orange Beach or Pelican Place in Gulf Shores. We also have a huge Tanger Outlet for those seeking bargains! All of these places have great boutiques and shopsl. So, once you’ve gotten too much sun for the day, go ahead and take a shopping trip!

4) Kick off your shoes and kick up your heels

After a day of shopping and beach combing with your tribe, you want to sing along with a band and do a little dancing?  Well, you’re in luck! The Flora-Bama, our favorite roadhouse, is just a few minutes away. If you planned your mini-vaca for late fall, you might even get to enjoy The Frank Brown Songwriters Festival. There is always someone singing and dancing there!

Another great place for food, spirits and laughter is Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s located in Gulf Shores. A fun place to spend an evening is Live Bait. With fabulous cocktails and great music, you can sing along while sampling their unique appetizer menu. Oh, and don’t forget to get a tee shirt from each place y’all visit! What a great way to have a cool souvenir collection and remember one of the best weekends ever!

5) Visit the Spa

Who doesn’t like to be pampered sometimes, and what better time than when you’re with your favorite people? Spend the day having some of your favorite treatments done at The Beach Club Spa in Fort Morgan . They have a wonderful selection of everything from massages, facials and even hair services! To relax even further you may want to try out their Aromatherapy Stress Fix Massage. It features “Swedish and Deep Tissue massage with lavender infused auroras to calm the senses.” What a wonderful way to finish off your relaxing vacation! Locals love Austin Massage where you may find yourself melting into the table.

6) Stay in an amazing beach home

You don’t know where to stay? We can help with that! At Sunset Properties, we have just the perfect mini-vaca spot for you and all of your girlfriends! If youl want to stay together, we have the perfect beach home for you like SEA TURTLE and GOLDEN YONA that sleep 10-17 guests comfortably. If you’d like to reserve a penthouse condo for your girls weekend, check out Caribe C Penthouse 14. Talk about luxury!! Or, maybe you’d prefer an individual condo, but want to be in the same building. The Dunes and The Indies will probably be perfect for your group. The Dunes and Indies offer one, two, and three bedroom condos, so finding the perfect one shouldn’t be hard! All of our properties come with stocked kitchens, beautiful views, and comfy beds. Do you have that one bestie who simply cannot leave her fur baby at home? Not a problem! We have several homes that are pet friendly and allow dogs to stay with their owners! We even have a new condo called Pleasant Greens with a beautiful view of Kiva Dunes Golf Course! At Sunset Properties, we have a home for just about anyone!

 So what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your girls weekend in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan with Sunset Properties! Go ahead, give us a call! We are ready to help you move your daydream into reality!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251-543-1370